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Health bosses in Gwent are preparing for severe winter weather as global weather patterns threaten an increased risk of flash flooding across hospital sites.
Members of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) were updated on winter readiness plans during their September meeting. The board is working to protect emergency capacity, add extra hospital beds, and speed up patient discharges ahead of the winter surge.
Independent board member Akmal Hanuk raised concerns over whether hospitals and community sites across the health board’s footprint are prepared for extreme weather.
“In relation to flash flooding, a very wet season is anticipated,” Mr Hanuk said. “What are the risks in terms of our estate?”
ABUHB’s director of planning, Hannah Evans, confirmed the health board has held discussions with the Welsh Government regarding risks linked to El Niño – the natural climate pattern that alters global weather and can trigger severe rainfall and flooding.
She said: “We’ve had conversation with the Welsh Government, including about El Niño, and taking on a lot of additional work on the effect, not just flooding, but the impacts of climate change.“
El Niño changes weather patterns around the world and can lead to flooding and stronger typhoons in some areas while causing droughts in others.
The World Meteorological Organization has shown it could be the strongest for more than 70 years and last until at least February 2027.
Ms Evans added that lessons had been drawn from previous local flooding, particularly in Monmouthshire, with business continuity plans tested in real time to ensure facilities remain operational.
Health board chief executive Nicola Prygodzicz also confirmed she had met with staff to discuss personal and organisational measures to tackle climate change and cut carbon emissions across the health estate.